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'What does your flag mean to you?'

Posted: May 23, 2011 - 8:58pm

‘WHAT DOES YOUR FLAG MEAN?’

Many people ask about the debt-ceiling these days, and still more ask about the future of America. Concerns linger about having a good, well-paying job, health care, security. Several dozen neighbors around the United States were ushered in as new members of Congress; sweeping what has been called control of the House of Representatives back toward the Republican party and ending the filibuster-proof Democrat control of the Senate. But, how many of us look at what lies beneath?

Sixty-percent of the U.S. government budget goes to Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and National Defense. Of the latter, only 4.6 percent is scheduled to go to the pockets of the troops, with more than 15 percent going to operations, equipment, and defense industry.

Given the recent end to the conflict between the United States and Osama bin Laden, one would think it time to start asking the right questions or making the correct statements.

First, one should be inclined to want to see a detailed report of the other 40 percent of the federal budget, and start thinking about what we like versus what we need before going after institutional trusts that so many Americans have paid for and continue to pay for under agreement that our elected and appointed government will be proper stewards.

Next, the critical thinker should break down each of the aforementioned items referred to as mandatory spending; probably named so by law, and for good reasons. Figure out where there is mismanagement, or better, demand the members of congress who draft bills and allocate money to come home and open the books.

When that is finished, then one would think it appropriate to be real about a basic balance sheet; revenue versus expenses. When a person is talking about the free market, that means one is free to purchase, save, invest, or do as he sees freely with his money; and rightfully so. With one proviso.

The referees need to be on the field, to know the trade, to be impartial, and to keep the one goal in mind; that all men are created equal, endowed by their creator. Entitled to the pursuit of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. To be clear, that includes all people, regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexuality, or religious faith.

America will regain its strength again when its citizens and residents realize through action the necessity of a level playing field that isn’t designed like Las Vegas where the house is set up to win and provide the people entertainment. And as the president explained during his inaugural speech from 1 Corinthians 13, “When I became a man, I put away childish things.”

America needs to unite in a new patriotism that reflects the flag we all want to proudly wave. Regardless of the 2012 election, we need to conduct ourselves accordingly on a daily basis. The banner waves from my doorstep each day to remind me as I come and go. What does the flag mean for you?

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